Hindmarsh will be role model
By Dean Ritchie
July 2, 2004
AFTER being described as a rugby league "machine", NSW second-rower Nathan Hindmarsh was last night issued his role for Wednesday's State of Origin decider at Homebush.
Hindmarsh's statistics this season are phenomenal - he has missed just 12 of a possible 1041 minutes field-time for Parramatta, is averaging 16 runs for 119 metres and making 40 tackles per game.
Despite his defence, the Blues want to show off Hindmarsh's blockbusting running style.
Aware Craig Fitzgibbon, Shaun Timmins, Mark O'Meley and Jason Ryles are not "tackle breakers", Hindmarsh has been given his role.
"He'll be our line breaker," revealed NSW assistant coach Laurie Daley.
"We'll be looking to Nathan for some of those dynamic busts.
"Nathan made some breaks in Origin II and said he felt very comfortable in that game. And he can play for the entire 80 minutes. He's a workaholic."
Hindmarsh said he craved his new role.
"I'd like to be considered as that [a line breaker]," he said. "Making one line break a game, if not more, is something I aim for each game.
"I would like to carry a few more metres but I'm happy with my defence. My all-round game is good at the moment but there's always areas you want to improve."
Most agree Hindmarsh has grown into a genuine State of Origin player this season - erasing any thought he could not handle the interstate level.
Daley said Hindmarsh was now among the game's most complete players.
"He is going enormous," Daley said.
Scott Sattler and Luke Priddis have had more field time but Hindmarsh has had to back up from Test and Origin commitments.
Parramatta coach Brian Smith is amazed at Hindmarsh's workrate this season.
"Nathan's just a machine," Smith said. "It's not just the quantity but it's the quality.
"He has shown in back-to-back Origin games what everyone at our club has known for a long time - he's a big-game player."
Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald went as far as to say Hindmarsh was among the Eels' greatest-ever forwards, who include the likes of Ray Price.
"Nathan is certainly one of club's greatest forwards," Fitzgerald said last night.
"He's up there with players like Ron Lynch, Bob O'Reilly, Dick Thornett and Brian Hambly. Nathan has really come of age at Origin level."
Hindmarsh agreed 2004 had been individually special. "It has to be one of my better seasons," he said last night.
NSW players travelled south to Ulladulla yesterday, as part of a Channel 9 promotion, for a street parade and coaching clinic.
The Daily Telegraph
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,10015230-23214,00.html
